Almanac
(Almanac lists facts, figures and miscellany of campus interest. Know something, or want to know? Call us: 262-3846, or e-mail: wisweek@news.wisc.edu.)
Update: Software available
The majority of Microsoft applications and upgrades to operating systems are now available to departments at no cost to license through the Microsoft Custom Enterprise Agreement signed this semester.
The license, called the Microsoft Custom Enterprise Agreement, enables departments and students to obtain many of the latest Microsoft products at a fraction of the normal academic price. Similar licenses with other popular software vendors are also being pursued. The agreements do not require members of the UW campuses to use the products.
The license agreement covers the next three years, with an option to renew for a fourth year. Distribution of all products began Nov. 10. Information: http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/purch/contract/wp2066.html.
Memorial: Sledge plans set
The family of George W. Sledge, 71, a longtime administrator in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences who died of cancer Oct. 20, suggests that memorials be given to the George W. and Dorothy D. Sledge Quality Education Fund at the University of Wisconsin Foundation, P.O. Box 8860, Madison, WI 53708-8860; or to the First Baptist Church, 518 N. Franklin St., Madison, WI 53705. Sledge joined the dean’s office at CALS in 1960. From 1966 until his retirement in 1993, he served as associate dean of academic student affairs.
Bright side: Patients go online
While staying in the hospital is no child’s idea of a good time, Children’s Hospital patients now can “point and click” their way to fun and friends through Starbright World, a private, interactive computer network that was recently installed for young patients. The high-tech onscreen “universe” can relieve some of the loneliness, isolation and pain that come with being in the hospital. In particular, the features on the network, such as supervised teleconferencing, chats, instant messages and bulletin boards, allow pediatric patients to meet other children with the same illnesses, providing a wonderful vehicle for emotional healing. “Starbright World gives these kids a new kind of social life,” says Mary Kaminski, director of child life at UW Children’s Hospital.
Helping opportunities
- The New Hat, Mitten and Scarf Drive and the Canned Food Drive continue through Dec. 17. Drop off items at the Morgridge Center for Public Service. Information: 263-2432, or e-mail: morgridge@macc.wisc.edu
- Madison Friends of International Students is looking for Madison families willing to invite an international student or two to share Thanksgiving. To make arrangements, call Sue Thieben, 238-7557.
Backward glance
From Wisconsin Week, Nov. 15, 1989: Faculty and staff leaves will have clear time restrictions under a new policy set by the Board of Regents. … The university’s total enrollment of 37,847 is more than 800 students over its targeted enrollment for 1989-90. … Education Dean John Palmer plans to step down by the end of the year. … The university has struck a deal with a Texas college to help UW–Madison recruit more Hispanic students.
Quotable
“Education should be ecumenical, and technology used this way helps everyone become a participant.”
– Rod Matthews, senior lecturer in the School of Business, discussing Web-based International Business Team Projects (see page 1 for more)